A 9-day wilderness experience in Southern Chile and the Patagonia Ice Field. Visit the San Rafael Glacier, Puerto Eden, Madre de Dios Island, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, and the Beagle Channel.
South America
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: From Puerto Montt to Ushuaia
9 Days aboard Magellan Explorer. From AUD $9,992$8,325pp.
Details
Overview
Save up to A$1667 pp
Book by 31st March 2025
Itinerary Highlights
- We visit the seaport and explore the area, with its many fjords, islands, and channels
- We cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges
- You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation
- Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel
- Days 3: San Rafael National Park
- Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
- Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel
- Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
- Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
- Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
- Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation
Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.
Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel
We continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As we cruise and explore the area, we see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.
Days 3: San Rafael National Park
Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile's Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.
Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
As we sail south, we cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells us about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini. We also learn about the region's biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.
Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel
If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress, they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture. We continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here.
Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
We embark on a Zodiac excursion to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile's natural mystique. As we sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, we explore the waters of the fjords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. We follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If we are lucky, we may be able to spot humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. We may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.
Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. We will sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord
Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation
Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.
- Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation
- Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel
- Days 3: San Rafael National Park
- Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
- Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel
- Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
- Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
- Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord
- Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation
Next Departure Date: 15 Sep 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Sep 2025 - 23 Sep 2025 | AUD$8325pp | ||
| Triple Suite | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Porthole Cabin | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Deluxe Veranda Cabin | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Grand Suite | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Single Cabin | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| Penthouse Suite | Save up to A$1667 | ||
| 04 Apr 2026 - 12 Apr 2026 | AUD$8325pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds and 1 queen-size sofa bed, 2 private bathrooms, separate living area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair sets, 2 armchairs with side tables, balcony with sitting area, telephone, hairdryer, minibar and snack station & coffee maker.
Porthole Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 2 armchairs with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
20m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Penthouse Suite
30m², located on deck 5, 2 single beds or 1 king bed, separate sitting area with sofa and coffee table, desk and chair, 2 armchairs, private balcony with sitting area, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, closed-circuit TV screen, telephone, hairdryer, larger private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Grand Suite
40m², located on deck 4, 2 single beds or 1 king- bed, separate living area with queen-size sofa bed and coffee table, desk and chair sets in both living and bedroom areas, 2 armchairs with side tables, 2 private balconies with sitting areas, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, 2 large private bathrooms with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
Single Cabin
20m², located on deck 3, one king-size bed, private balcony with sitting area, desk and chair, 1 armchair with side table, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hairdryer, private bathroom with separate shower, bathrobes and slippers.
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Magellan Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
Plane Specifications (not valid on cruise only departures)
- Model: BAE 146-200
- Engines: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5
- Length: 28,55 m
- Wingspan: 26,34 m
- Cruise Speed: 465 mph (750 km/h)
- Service Ceiling: 31,200 ft (9.500 m)
- Capacity: 73 passengers
Ship Specifications
- Expedition Staff & crew: 60
- Passengers: 100 maximum (maximum of 73 for air-cruise operations)
- Gross tonnage: 4,900
- Ice-class: LR PC6
- Length: 90.7m
- Breadth: 16.2m
- Draft: 4.3 m
- Propulsion: 2 main engines, total 3440 kW
- Cruising speed: 14 knots
- Flag: Bahamas
Whats included?
- Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
- Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
- Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
- Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
- Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship.
- Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
- Loan of waterproof boots for landing.
- All guided shore excursions.
- Lectures and entertainment on board.
- Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
- Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.
What’s not included?
- Flights, accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary corresponding to each voyage.
- Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
- Gratuities.
- Visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
Notes
**This itinerary is also available in reverse beginning in Ushuaia and ending in Puerto Montt.
Note: the itinerary presented above is for reference. As for any expedition cruise, our route will be subject to weather conditions and the requirements of the Chilean authorities.
Optional Activities - 2025-26 Season:
- Sea Kayaking: US$895 per person
Sea Kayaking in Antarctica and Patagonia. We recommend booking the Sea Kayaking program upon reservation of your sea voyage.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
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